Early pace-setters Sydney United lost their unbeaten Australian National Soccer league record, but not their lead, in a fourth-round upset.
United were thumped 4-0 by Carlton after Archie Thompson had given the Melbourne-based side a 2-0 halftime lead which was stretched to 3-0 soon after the break.
Adelaide Force, who play theFootball Kingz at Ericsson Stadium on Friday night, scored their first win of the season, beating Eastern Pride 4-3 in Adelaide after Eastern Pride had led 2-0 at halftime.
The sending off of Eastern Pride striker Neville Roach early in the second spell for a second booking provided the spark for the home side, who had two goals each from midfielders Brad Hassell and Scott Tunbridge to thank for their victory.
Despite losing to Northern Spirit in Sydney on Friday night, the Kingz remain within three points of the lead, with six points, in seventh place. With nine goals they remain the top-scoring team in the NSL.
Perth Glory, last season's beaten finalists, have won only once but should collect their second win on Saturday when they play struggling Eastern Pride away.
The Kingz meet the West Australians in Perth the following week in what already shapes as a crucial game for both clubs.
In other key fifth-round games, Wollongong meet Brisbane in another Friday game, while Sunday's feature will be the Sydney clash between Olympic and Carlton.
